Starting in 2014, the agency will have another task: making sure all Americans have health insurance. Under the law, Americans who can afford health insurance but refuse to buy it will face a fine of up to $695 or 2.5% of their income, whichever is higher. More than 4 million Americans could be subject to penalties of up to $1,000 by 2016 if they fail to obtain health insurance, the Congressional Budget Office said last week.

The IRS will be the enforcer — sort of.

HEALTH CARE LAW: Some trapped in pricey state plans

While the IRS can impose liens or levies, seize property or seek jail time against people who don’t pay taxes, it’s barred from taking such actions against taxpayers who ignore the insurance mandate. In the arsenal instead: the ability to withhold refunds from taxpayers who decline to pay the penalty, IRS Commissioner Doug Shulman said this month.

Still, compliance with the health reform law will be largely voluntary, says Timothy Jost, a law professor at Washington and Lee University. “By taking criminal sanctions and liens and levies off the table, the IRS’ hands are tied, to a considerable extent.”

They claim that the IRS lacks the clout to enforce mandatory health insurance. Really? When was the last time you ever said to yourself, that IRS, they lack clout. The answer most likely is, NEVER!

They claim all the IRS can do is send letters and offset your tax return. That’s all. Because I am sure every one would enjoy getting a letter from the IRS and having their yearly tax return confiscated. What happens if one is not do a refund, is their income tax offset and you are put into the negative owing the IRS? What if this occurs year after year and the $695 fine becomes $6950, and don’t forget the added interest and penalties. Do you thing the federal government is not going to come after that money?

If you do not, then I have a bridge to sell you. Better yet, I have an Obamacare health care plan to sell you that is about reform and not the government take over of health care.

Comments

Abuse of power is an almost natural extension of
a bloated, out-of-control government. The feeling
of boundless, unchallenged control is a drug that
obliterates reason. MORE, more, more…. until the
People are reduced to the role of farm animals and
the Government is the farmer. INVINCIBILITY is the
goal in this headlong power addiction. Obowma’s
Jack-in-the-box face is popping up all too often,
and the prize at the bottom of the box of his popcorn
promises is valueless.

super dave on
April 30th, 2010 3:14 pm

i read here not long ago that the IRS has
purchased 12 guage riot guns by the case.
this was already planned by osama hussein obama
months ago.

Sally on
April 30th, 2010 4:36 pm

The Dems have made some mistakes, and for a while it looked like the Republicans would reap the rewards in Nov. But they are doing the only things they could do to screw up right now, and in a big way.

1. They’ve allied themselves with Wall Street and are blocking financial reform. People now see them as one in the same.

2. They continue to oppose environmental protection legislation, while the oil spill in the Gulf threatens what is left of the wetlands in the U.S.

3. They are increasingly being seen as instigators/supporters of the extremely unpopular Supreme Court ruling that says corporations should be treated as citizens in terms of campaign finance.

They are shooting themselves in the foot repeatedly. I had thought November would be a slaughter, but now I don’t think so at all. Why are the Republicans frittering away their public perception like this?

A Texas Grandfather on
April 30th, 2010 5:58 pm

Super Dave I believe you heard the wrong gauge shotgun. LE has found that 20 gauge with the correct sized pellets are the most effective. They are much lighter and easier to manuver.
But, of course you could be correct. What does the IRS know about guns? Just about as much as they know about the tax code, all 80,000 pages.
We the people need to put a stop to these idiots.

rightknight on
April 30th, 2010 7:25 pm

Shotgun compliance? Used to be that a shotgun
convinced the guy to marry the girl. Under this
Administration we continue to be violated without
the benefit of the clergy.

They continue to oppose environmental protection legislation, while the oil spill in the Gulf threatens what is left of the wetlands in the U.S.

You forgot a couple of other events: Algore purchases a little villa for the tune of $8.8 Million; audit of UN report shows 60% of their sources (do you get that – way over 1/2) are “gray literature” meaning it was made up by those with a stake in environmental control. The emails! (need Iearth has actually been cooling – hence we had to give up “global warming” for “climate control”. say more?). The The last “researcher” who set out to prove the ice caps were melting had to be pulled out of the Arctic with frostbite!

But hey, let’s all get on the “climate change” bandwagon to make sure those lousy unemployed NEVER get another job. They can become butt sitters just like Obama supporters.

that “financial reform” really just puts the government (you know, those guys that were collecting all the porn) in charge of deciding who wins and who fails. The government created this crisis originally by demanding that bankers give home loans to people with only welfare as a source of income! If you really READ the legislation, you will come to understand why anyone with a brain wants to keep the federal government out of being in charge of banking. Afterall, they already have the health care industry, the insurance industry, an automaker that goes on TV and outright LIES about paying back loans, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and of course the Federal Reserve.

that “financial reform” really just puts the government (you know, those guys that were collecting all the porn) in charge of deciding who wins and who fails. The government created this crisis originally by demanding that bankers give home loans to people with only welfare as a source of income! If you really READ the legislation, you will come to understand why anyone with a brain wants to keep the federal government out of being in charge of banking. Afterall, they already have the health care industry, the insurance industry, an automaker that goes on TV and outright LIES about paying back loans, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and of course the Federal Reserve.

Just how much government do you need in your life? BTW, the current estimate is that the GOP may win as many as 100 seats!

Sally on
May 1st, 2010 12:29 am

It’s looking less and less fantastic and more so-so for the GOP come November. Like it or not, the public sees the Republican Party as buddies with the shysters who caused the economic collapse.

Michelle on
May 1st, 2010 8:46 am

We need more Conservatives but regardless, I still see the dems losing big time

Like it or not, the public sees the Republican Party as buddies with the shysters who caused the economic collapse.

Thank You Sally for another Obami talking point. But riddle me this: if the GOP is buddies with those that caused the economic collapse – why are these dudes now serving in the Obami administration? How is ole Barney “leave Freddie and Fanny alone” Frank doing?

Sally on
May 1st, 2010 5:36 pm

katablog, geez. Did I even mention Obama? You’re like a broken record. All you can think about is Obama.

Trey on
May 1st, 2010 10:05 pm

The GOP has screwed the pooch.

Snog on
May 2nd, 2010 12:05 am

Kattleblog, I think you’re obsessed with President Obama. How many times do you think about him every day?

I’m just wondering if you’re protesting a little much and you actually have a crush on him. He is a really handsome man.

rightknight on
May 2nd, 2010 12:32 am

Not only dem Dems must go, but dem ‘Progressives’
masquerading as Republicans must be ejected from
the corruption cycle as well. Time to consider who we
need to actually represent us and support our Constitution
in the process. The gang that’s currently wielding all
the misdirected power right now is pure taxation without
representation.

The real Americans know what really is going on behind the scenes. Intelligent Americans know that most of Obama’s financial “team” has heavy Goldman Sachs ties including Geitner. Intelligent Americans know Rahm was wheeling and dealing with the Wall Street lobbyists just like any other….

Intelligent Americans know that the government should not have any power in a free market system. This is an attempt to try and seize another percentage of our economy; to so strictly regulate it that the free market system fails.

You do know Obama said “there is a certain point where you can make too much money.” Does that sound American to you? I think not.

Intelligent Americans know Obama has ran the deficit higher in one year than Bush did in 8! Intelligent Americans know Obama has spent our childrena and our grandchildren into debt they will NEVER be able to repay.

Intelligent Americans know the VAT tax (going to be law soon) is a tax on those who make under $200K a year.

You are a fool. This is the reason Republicans are leading in MANY MANY races already and people like Specter and Crist have jumped ship.

You are a bonafide liberal idiot!

Scott on
May 3rd, 2010 7:41 am

Sally – you are so misinformed. Do some research before just blatting out some tired and worn out MSNBC liberal talking points.

The economic collapse started in the housing market because of Barney Frank and Chris Dodd who were heading up our financial committees. Bill Clinton signed into law basically stating that “every American should be able to buy a home” business.

Only misinformed idiots blame it on the administration before them because they are too ignorant to do the research…i.e. liberals like YOU Sally.